2011 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973. It has been marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat, with varying body styles such as saloon, estate, and hatchback.
A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017.
In January 2011, Volkswagen introduced a separate Passat model line, internally designated "Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan" or NMS, that was manufactured in the US at the Chattanooga assembly plant and in China at Nanjing by SAIC-Volkswagen. Developed to increase Volkswagen sales in North America, the Passat NMS is larger and cost less to produce. sold in the North America, South Korea, China, and Middle East. The separate B8 Passat model entered production in Europe in 2014, based on the MQB platform.
In 2019, the Passat NMS program was split into two as the North American one continued being produced on an older platform while the Chinese Passat moved on to the MQB platform, which resulted in Volkswagen marketed three models under the Passat nameplate globally at that time. The North American Passat was discontinued after the 2022 model year.
Volkswagen ended the production of the saloon Passat for the European market in 2022. The B9 Passat, released in 2023, is only available in an estate body style. The Passat continues to be available as a saloon in China.
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Common 2011 Volkswagen Passat problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Passat 2011, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Electrical Problems:
- Owners have reported various electrical issues, including problems with parking sensors, air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, windows, and the original navigation system screen.
- The Passat B7 may experience failures in these electrical components, which can lead to inconvenience and potential repair costs.
- Corrosion Concerns:
- While the vehicle is generally well-protected against corrosion, some weak points, like the edges of the doors, particularly in carbon versions, may be prone to rust.
- Surface rust on certain areas of the car, especially in specific versions, has been highlighted as a potential issue by owners.
- Transmission and Gearbox Challenges:
- Problems with the DSG gearbox have been noted, emphasizing the importance of regular oil changes every 60,000 kilometers to prevent clogging of hydraulic valves and gearbox malfunctions.
- Issues with gear chains, faulty gearboxes, and control electronics (mechatronics) have been reported, stressing the necessity of using only manufacturer-specified original oil for DSG gearboxes.
- Engine and Mechanical Faults:
- Older models with 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI diesel engines have faced leaking water pumps, attributed to poor quality components.
- Some owners have reported problems with the start-stop system, which can be resolved by changing the battery or reprogramming the system.
- Maintenance Recommendations:
- Regular maintenance is crucial for the Passat B7, with specific intervals recommended for tasks like timing belt changes, oil replacements, and fuel filter replacements.
- Owners are advised to adhere to the prescribed maintenance intervals to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle.
These common problems reported by Volkswagen Passat 2011 owners highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the continued reliability and performance of the vehicle.
Is Volkswagen Passat 2011 a good car?
On the road, it's clear the Volkswagen Passat was designed for covering long distances in supreme comfort. Ride quality is excellent, with the Passat offering premium levels of comfort and refinement. There's virtually no wind noise, while road roar is suppressed by excellent soundproofing.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
What are the bad years for the Passat?
We recommend staying away from the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 models. They may require pricey fixes from the user. The faults for the Volkswagen Passat lie in the engine, electrical, and fuel system.
How long do VW Passat engines last?
Typically, a Passat can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. This translates to about 13 to 17 years of service, assuming an average annual mileage of 15,000 miles. Of course, many Passats won't reach this mileage ceiling and will largely depend on several factors.
Is Volkswagen Passat 2011 a good car?
On the road, it's clear the Volkswagen Passat was designed for covering long distances in supreme comfort. Ride quality is excellent, with the Passat offering premium levels of comfort and refinement. There's virtually no wind noise, while road roar is suppressed by excellent soundproofing.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
What are the bad years for the Passat?
We recommend staying away from the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 models. They may require pricey fixes from the user. The faults for the Volkswagen Passat lie in the engine, electrical, and fuel system.
Is Volkswagen Passat high maintenance?
The 2021 Passat and Arteon have lower maintenance costs than similar midsize sedans by Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has the lowest maintenance costs of the midsize SUV category. The 2021 Tiguan has lower maintenance costs than other compact SUVs by Honda, Toyota, and Subaru.
2011 Volkswagen Passat car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Passat problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Volkswagen Passat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Volkswagen Passat complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-10
- VIN: WVWMN7AN2BE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS NO COMPRESSION. VILKSWAGOM DEALERSHIP STATED THAT TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED WILL COST $10000 TO FIX
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WVWMN7AN3BE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DAUGHTER WAS KILLED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN HER 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CC WHEN HER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALER ON OCTOBER 30TH, 2018, 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH. SHE WAS TRAVELING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT ON A COUNTY 2 LANE ROAD WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT HER HEAD ON. THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH IS HER CAR AFTER THE CRASH. AS YOU CAN SEE, THE AIRBAG 100% SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THAT CRASH.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-14
- VIN: WVWMP7AN1BE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WATER PUMP DEFECT CAUSES TIMING CHAIN MALFUNCTIONING AS VEHICLE MAY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE MAY OVERHEAT AS WATER FAILURE CAUSES ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK AND CAUSE OVERHEATING TO FIRE HAZARD.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WVWMP7AN1BE
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE MISSING ENGINE CRADLE AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT A CERTIFIED DEALER. VEHICLE MISSING SUBFRAME SCREW AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT CERTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN DESLERSHIP(STONE MOUNTAIN VW AND MARIETTA VW) BOTH LOCATIONS IN GEORGIA. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH DEFECT WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE SETTLEMENTS. DEALERSHIP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: O'STEEN VW, WAS CAUGHT SHREDDING RECORDS. COMPANY REFUSED TO PROVIDE VEHICLE VIN HISTORY. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT O'STEEN VW, WITHOUT REPAIR. CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OVER 30 DAYS AND I HAVE BEEN STRANDED. PLEASE I
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-11
- VIN: WVWMP7AN7BE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START UP, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. VYLETEL VOLKSWAGEN BUICK GMC: 40555 VAN DYKE AVE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313 (586) 977-2800, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-23
- VIN: WVWMN7ANXBE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I AM NOT ABLE TO OPEN MY TRUNK VIA FOB, SWITCH ON THE DOOR NOR REMOTE. I HAVE READ THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE AFTER REAR LIGHT FAILURES. MY REAR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND TURNING LIGHTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS. I WENT INTO THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK IT WOULDN'T OPEN. I HAVE REPEATEDLY TRIED AGAIN TO NO AVAIL.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-11
- VIN: WVWMN7AN6BE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE PARKED, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE SHOWS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: STEERING COLUMN LOCK DEFECTIVE!.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-20
- VIN: WVWMN7AN6BE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VOLKSWAGEN TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BY VOLKSWAGEN EACH TIME THE CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY LEADING TO LAW SUIT. AND THIS TIME, JUST OUTSIDE MANUFACTURING WARRANTY BY 2 DAYS, THE ROCKER ARMS IN MY VW 2.0 ENGINE FAILED ALSO LOCKING THE MOTOR UP COMPLETELY UNABLE TO REPAIR. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. IF WE KNOW VOLKSWAGON KNEW ABOUT THESE ISSUES WHY IS THERE NO RECALL TO SERVICE THE EFFECTED (NOW 3 TIMES AND PERMANENT) A VEHICLES SAFETY OF OPERATION ON TEXAS STATE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS YET DONT GET REIMBURSED DUE TO 3 DAYS..... WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON TOLLWAY ACCESS ROAD AND MOTOR LOCKED UP. NO NOISE NO INDICATION. NO WARNING.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-22
- VIN: WVWMP7AN9BE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY VEHILCE IN MOTION AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT TURNED OFF. IT DIDNT WANT TO TURN BACK ON NO MORE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-04
- VIN: WVWMN7AN1BE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY SENSOR LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. THIS CAR ALSO HAS TROUBLE WITH THE ABS BRAKE CONTROL. FOR IT TO BE AN 2011, I HAVE HAD MORE TROUBLE WITH IT AND ON TOP OF THAT, I'M STILL TRYING TO PAY IT OFF. I'M AM GOING TO UPLOAD WHAT THE MECHANIC STATES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. SOME OF THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL CALL ON FOR SAFETY REASONS
STEERING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-10
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE REVERSING IN A PARKING AREA, A CRACKING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING LOST POWER AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO A CLOCK SPRING RECALL. THE DEALER RESOLVED THE RECALL ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AGAIN PER THE RECALL AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND RECALL DETAILS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,WHEELS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-06
- VIN: WVWHN7AN2BE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,WHEELS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: AN EMAIL I SENT TO DARCARS/ SILVER SPRING: IN JUNE OF 2016, I NOTICED MY CAR "PUTTERING" AND ALMOST STALLING OUT. A FEW DAYS LATER, MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I IMMEDIATELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, WHICH WERE GOOD. I THEN BELIEVE THERE TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE MUFFLER, OR MANIFOLD. IN JUNE OF 2016, I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO DARCARS DUE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. WITHIN A COUPLE HOURS, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH A VALVE (UNCLEAR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE RECEPTIONIST) UNDER THE HOOD. THE ACTION PROVIDED WAS UNDER WARRANTY, SO I HAD TO PAY NOTHING. I GOT MY CAR BACK THE SAME DAY...ENGINE LIGHT OFF, AND I DROVE HOME A FEW DAYS/WEEKS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I RETURNED TO DARCARS, AND TOLD THEM THE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. THIS WAS AROUND AUGUST 2016. THE RECEPTIONIST, TOOK THE CAR IN, AND PROVIDED A LONER CAR. A FEW HOURS LATER, I WAS TOLD THE ACTION REQUIRED WAS UNDER WARRANTY, AND THEY WERE FIXING IT. AGAIN, THE RECEPTIONIST MENTIONED A "VALVE" REPLACEMENT. (VERY UNCLEAR COMMUNICATION) I DROVE THE CAR A FEW MORE DAYS, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON...I BROUGHT IT IN...I'M TOLD THE EXACT SAME INFO AS BEFORE. EXCEPT FOR NOW, I'M TOLD DARCARS HAS TO "SEND-OFF FOR A PART" . I'M PROVIDED A LONER, AND IN A FEW DAYS, I GET MY CAR BACK. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF. THIS IS IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 SAME STORY... ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON(OCTOBER 2016), AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT RETURNS, ALONG WITH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT. I BRING IT IN ON A WEDNESDAY (BEFORE THANKSGIVING). I INFORM THEM OF THE ISSUE. THE RECEPTIONIST ASKS ME CAN I LEAVE IT. I INFORM HIM I'M GOING TO SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THE HOLIDAY AND WOULD RETURN THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING. I ALSO HAD SOME ERRANDS TO RUN THAT DAY (WEDNESDAY), COULD I HAVE A LONER. HE TOLD ME "NO", "YOU'LL BE FINE IF THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. JUST AS LONG AS IT'S NOT BLINKING". *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- VIN: 1VWBP7A32CC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. I WAS NOTIFIED IN APRIL, BUT IT IS NOW AUGUST AND THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I DON'T THINK THIS IS ACCEPTABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1VWAP7A35CC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-19
- VIN: 3VWML7AJOBM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE RCD-510 PREMIUM 8 RADIO WITH BLUETOOTH CELL PHONE CONNECTIVITY COMPLETELY FAILED IN MY 2011 JETTA SPORTWAGON TDI MANUFACTURES IN 2010 AT ABOUT 3 1/2 YEARS AND 77K MILES. RADIO WAS FINE ONE DAY AND BLACK SCREEN WITH NO FUNCTION AT ALL THE NEXT INCLUDING THE BLUETOOTH AND HANDS FREE CALLING CAPABILITIES WHICH ARE BUILT INTO THE RADIO. THIS FAILIURE RESULTS IN ANY USE OF A PHONE WHILE DRIVING REQUIRING THE USE OF HANDS, WHICH IS DANGEROUS AS WELL AS ILLEGAL IN MANY STATES THROUGHOUT THE US. OTHERWISE, PULLING OFF OF THE ROAD TO PLACE/RECEIVE PHONE CALLS PUTS THE DRIVER AT INCREASED RISK OF BEING STRUCK. RADIO SCREEN APPEARANCE IS AS IF NO POWER TO RADIO. HAD VW DEALER SERVICE CHECK FUSES AND ALL CONNECTIONS TO RADIO AND FOUND NO POWER PROBLEMS. DEALER SERVICE REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE THAT THE RADIO WENT DEAD AND IS NOT DUE TO ANY OPERATOR ACTIONS. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF RADIO WITH A $600 REFURISHED UNIT W/1YEAR WARRANTY PLUS THE TRADE IN OF FAILED RADIO TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. VW REPRESENTATIVE COULD NOT ANSWER WHAT PARTS ARE REPLACED ON THE REFURBISHED UNIT AND WAS UNWILLING TO FIND OUT AND PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION. *TR
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